When the fixtures were released today’s game was considered to be a potential title decider and few amongst fans of either team would have expected Chelsea to travel to Old Trafford with United already crowned champions. Good job United didn’t indeed need a result for their performance was as abysmal as they have produced throughout this campaign.

United will be without Danny Welbeck for today’s Premier League match against Chelsea as the striker has not recovered from a knee injury. Midfielder Paul Scholes is expected to return to the squad after a near four-month absence with a knee injury.

United fans will no doubt be looking forward to seeing Chelsea perform a guard of honour. Will Chelsea have the class to show such respect?

With the result immaterial for United the only thing they have to play for is pride and Sir Alex admitted last weekend that it’s difficult not to drop off the pace under these circumstances but he’ll doubtless be urging his team to help him put one over The Spanish Waiter one last time before he leaves for pastures new.

Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed at Old Trafford 369 days before I was born, meaning that for me – and for many of my generation – the thought of United without Fergie is simply unthinkable, for he’s been in charge throughout my first quarter of a century.

Despite the season being not over for another three weeks, newspaper are dedicating an increasing number of columns to transfer rumours and, as usual, United find themselves right in the middle of it. The next few months could be absolutely crucial for United’s future, something Sir Alex Ferguson hinted to in the immediate aftermath of last week’s title celebrations as he stressed the importance of planning ahead.